PhD Study : Lifecycle Economic and Environmental Assessment for an Innovative Seamless Multi-layered Composite Pipeline Technology

Summary

Advanced fibre-reinforced multi-layered composite pipelines for water and energy transportation, offer superior mechanical properties and lower weight than conventional materials. Substantial environmental and economic benefits have also been identified.

The student will work alongside the principal industrial Partner, Purapipe UK Limited, the Ulster Business School of the Ulster University and collaborate with other external partners including the Water Research Centre (WRc), Swindon UK, to evaluate the economic and environmental benefits associated with multi-layered composites pipelines, and the distinct advantages of onsite manufacturing compared to traditional pipeline production from static factory facilities and transportation in sections of pipe to the construction site.

Hence, this study aims to assist the industrial and academic/research partners to reach sustainability goals using an integrated circular economy and lifecycle assessment visualisation framework (CELAVI), as a novel and cost-effective approach.

Analysis and simulation will be applied to demonstrate the cost result due to material, onsite manufacture, and construction installation variables. The economic and environmental impact of multilayered composite pipes will be evaluated throughout their entire lifespan, to support the selection of materials, manufacturing processedents and technologies, and commercial deployment for the sustainable transportation of high value fluids.

The CELAVI and additional economic tools identified as par of the study, will be embedded in the company’s commercial marketing strategy and validated against real-world data from participating Utility Companies, to monitor and reduce the Carbon Footprint effectively (e.g. decreased CO2 emissions throughout the operational/maintenance and total Lifecycle).

Due to differences in manufacturing processes and material sources, each type of pipeline entails a unique energy consumption. In general, the Lifecycle of a conventional transportation pipeline infrastructure comprises multiple stages (acquisition of raw materials, manufacturing of the pipeline, transportation of the pipe sections to the specific construction site, installation, operation, maintenance, decommissioning, and recycling).

With existing conventional pipeline technologies, very substantial amounts of energy are consumed, and substantial greenhouse gas emissions are released. Currently, there is a limited understanding of the adverse environmental implications of different piping materials and associated manufacturing, installation, and operational processes. The Innovative Seamless Multi-layered Composite Pipeline Technology offers a unique cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to the existing conventional pipeline technology.

The project will build on the extensive knowledge of both advanced composites and polymers manufacturing at UU and the industrial partner (Purapipe UK Ltd). The student will join the AFM2 group in the School of Engineering and participate in the comprehensive, specific training courses offered by UU, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) and the Northern Ireland Advanced Composites & Engineering (NIACE), to develop an in-depth knowledge of various fundamental and complex sciences related to polymers/composites, advanced manufacturing, sustainability, characterisation techniques, costing analysis, economic model and CELAVI. They will have access to modern lab facilities in UU and NIACE and office space, along with technical support and supervision from the Ulster Business School. The student will become familiar with the production processes and industrial in-service requirements. Regular meetings will be held between the multidisciplinary supervisory team, industrial collaborators, and the researcher to set strategic project objectives, develop a detailed work plan, discuss the project progress and target, and agree future steps.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• The Department for the Economy (DfE). o DfE CAST award in collaboration with The School of Engineering, the Ulster Business School, and a novel, innovative composite pipeline manufacturer.

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £20,237 per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.